How to Install Michelin Speedium Road Bike Tires

The Michelin Speedium is a standard sized road bike tire, measuring 700x23 mm. Compared to off-road bike tires, road bike tires in general are light and narrow, and offer low rolling resistance. Clincher tires, such as the Michelin Speedium, are mounted onto a clincher-compatible rim. The clincher tire is constructed around two inner hoops, called "beads." The bead section of each tire fits onto and around the outer portion of the rim. Installing a tire properly is crucial to the performance of the tire and safety of the rider.

Things You'll Need

  • Talcum powder
  • Road bike inner tube
  • Bicycle tire pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dust the inside of the Speedium tire with talc. Talc reduces friction between the tire and inner tube, allowing for easier positioning of the inner tube inside the tire.

    • 2

      Locate the hole in the top of the rim. The hole accommodates the inner tube valve. Turn the Michelin Speedium tire so that the colored "Michelin" label is positioned above the hole.

    • 3

      Install the first bead onto the rim. The bead slides over the top of the rim and settles in the channel that runs along the rim. One bead is installed at a time. Install only one presently.

    • 4

      Open the nut on the inner tube valve. Blow air into the valve, giving the inner tube a semblance of shape. Full inflation of the inner tube will occur later.

    • 5

      Push the valve through the hole in the rim, directly below the "Michelin" and "Speedium" labels on the tire. Carefully, with your fingers, push all sections of the inner tube beneath the tire.

    • 6

      Rotate the wheel until the valve is at the bottom. Install the second bead onto the rim. Begin at the top, opposite the valve. Work around the tire, holding the tire with your hands while pushing the bead in place with your thumbs.

    • 7

      Inspect the tire. Check that that no portion of inner tube is visible. Push any section beneath the tire, as needed.

    • 8

      Note the Michelin Speedium-recommended tire pressure, on the tire sidewall. Observing and maintaining proper tire pressure helps increases the tire's efficiency, grip and durability.

    • 9

      Inflate the tire, using an air pump. Riders over 180 lbs., inflate the tire to the maximum recommended tire pressure. Riders less then 110 lbs., inflate the tire to the minimum recommended tire pressure.